Health Psychology Commons^™

Motor Development And Skill Acquisition In Elementary Aged Students, Joanna M. Guerrant Ms.

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Mastering physical movement occurs through motor learning and experience. Motor development is needed for successful acquisition of sport and other physical skills. A lack of motor skills has been associated with decreased physical activity later in life, which has been linked to a variety of hypokinetic diseases. This study examined motor learning and skill acquisition in elementary age children. Twenty 2^nd-5^th grade students were recruited through the local school system. Subjects did not have any injuries that would preclude them from performing three basic skills (modified squat, tree, and arm and leg raises). IRB approval, parental consent, …

Body Image In Division Three Male Athletes: An Assessment Of The Effects Of Weight Pressure And Body Ideals On Body Image, Joshua J. Symbal

Celebration of Learning

Body image is how people think, feel and behave with regard to their own physical attributes (Muth and Cash, 1997). The ideal male body has gone from being very average during the 20th century to being almost unattainable in the 21st century. The turn of the century shows an ideal defined by hypermesomorphia, or an extremely muscular/sturdy body build. This pressure can be seen in studies that show that anywhere from 28% to 68% of “normal weight” adolescent boys and young men feel that they are underweight and want to gain muscle (McCreary and Sasse, 2000). The pressure to gain …

Stigma, Abuse, And Hate Crimes: Effects On Mental Health In Transgender Population, Daisy Guerra

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

A comprehensive literature review that examines the ways in which stressors unique to the LGBT population affect transgender mental health. Specifically this paper will explore stigma, and various forms of abuse that contribute to depression, substance abuse, and risky sexual behavior in the transgender community.

Religiousness, Coping, And Social Support Predict Well-Being Among Cancer Patients, Kathleen Shelton, Manpreet Narwal, John Pérez

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between intrinsic religious motivation (IRM), coping styles, social support, and well-being among cancer patients. IRM refers to the internalization of faith as the primary motive in a person’s life. Previous research has established a correlation between IRM and well-being; however, little is known about the role of coping style s and social support in this relationship. The sample included 179 predominantly white, Christian, female patients with stage II through IV cancer. We used a cross- sectional, correlational design with self-report measures of the constructs. We hypothesized that higher levels of …

Associations Of Religious Involvement And Mortality: A Critical Review, Thomas Fisher

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

In this review we address the conflicts of previous research on associations between religious involvement and longevity. We will also discuss causes of conclusional variance within these studies. Our study of inconclusive research will equip individuals with insight about sources of disagreement and origins of variance within empirical studies on religiosity and longevity. A wide variety of sources were selected to represent the diversity of findings. Most selected studies identified psychosocial elements of religiosity and proposed a positive, negative, or no correlation with longevity. We reviewed the validity of each study and analyzed the proposed association with longevity. Numerous methodologically …

Reverse Freshman Fifteen: A Qualitative Study, Ruth L. Markham, Taryn Viers, Ashley Laird, Ashley Dibert

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The decision to make lifestyle changes as related to health cannot be easily summarized as it involves multiple areas of an individual's life. To examine some of these issues 15 college women who had intentionally experienced significant weight loss during their college years were questioned using a semi-structured interview technique. The interviews contained questions concerning how factors such as identity, motivation, habits, availability of resources, and priorities affected their conscious choice to pursue a healthier lifestyle. Transcriptions were coded and analyzed to determine commonalities in factors related to these lifestyle changes. Three common themes emerged which included having an active …

A Human Factors Approach To Improve The Department Of Defense's Patient Handoff Protocol, Nathan Walters, Agnes S. Fagerlund, Elizabeth H. Lazzara, Joseph Keebler, Elizabeth Blickensderfer

Human Factors and Applied Psychology Student Conference

No abstract provided.

Alcohol Consumption And Its Potential Ability To Predict Health Perceptions, Gregory J. Joseph, Jennifer L. Zorland

Georgia State Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Nature Connection: Theory, Evidence And Practice, Matt V. Bukowski

Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities

This presentation explores scholarly work at the intersection of mental health and the natural world in a variety of disciplines. My intent is to provide an overview of theoretical perspectives, research-based evidence, and clinical practices that support the idea that experiencing the natural world can improve human mental health outcomes.

The Effect Of Mobile Health Applications On Health Behaviors: A Pilot Study, Danielle M. Shilling, Cindy Miller-Perrin, Elizabeth Krumrei Mancuso

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

The present research examined the effectiveness of mobile Health (mHealth) fitness and nutrition applications where effectiveness was defined as eliciting behavior changes towards national guidelines for minutes of weekly exercise and daily water consumption. In this study, it was hypothesized that an mHealth Application condition using the MyFitnessPal application would be more effective at altering water consumption and exercise behaviors when compared to a Daily Monitoring condition and a Paper Dairy condition. All 92 participants of this randomized trial participated in a one-week baseline collection and three weeks of intervention for a total of four weeks of participation. Results indicated …

Interactions Between Maternal Prenatal Obesity And Physiological Stress: Predictors Of Offspring Adult Obesity, Jennifer L. Hambleton, Jared Vineyard, Nicki L. Aubuchon-Endsley (Mentor)

Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research

Over half of US women of childbearing age are overweight or obese. This is significant because excessive gestational maternal weight may program offspring for greater risk of lifetime obesity. Preliminary research suggests this effect may be moderated by fetal exposure to stress hormones, known to be dysregulated in obese individuals. However, long-term longitudinal research of these constructs is needed.

Therefore, this study used archival data from the NEFS/CPP Studies to examine interactions between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI/gestational weight gain and fetal cortisol exposure as predictors of offspring growth trajectories from birth-7 years and adult BMI via growth curve modeling and ANOVAs. …

Sex Differences In Placental Epigenetic Regulation Of Leptin Hormone Are Associated With Elevated Maternal Gestational Weight Gain, Nicole E. Douthit, Nicki Aubuchon-Endsley Ph.D. (Mentor)

Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research

In utero epigenetic factors affect health and development, though sex differences in epigenetic effects of prenatal maternal health may exist for placental hormones. Specifically, maternal prenatal obesity affects expression of placental leptin hormone genes, which play a unique role in metabolism and appetite. However, the effects of such expression on infant neurobehavioral development differ by offspring sex.

Therefore, we examined sex differences in the effects of maternal gestational weight on placental leptin gene methylation. Data (n=155) were taken from the Behavior and Mood in Mothers and Behavior in Infants Study. Maternal pre-pregnancy weight was self-reported, while delivery weight …

The Role Of Support Networks In Cancer Care, Janine Mariscotti Msw, Lcsw

La Salle University Relationship Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Lqts Patients’ Satisfaction With Emergency Room Care, Stephanie H. Felgoise, Katherine Lawrence, Victoria L. Vetter

Research Day

Abstract: Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a genetic condition affecting 1:2,500 that predisposes individuals to cardiac arrhythmias (Ellis et al., 2009). Life threatening symptoms are often unpredictable although there are known triggers to LQTS specific cardiac events. Triggers include physical exertion, emotional upset, and sleep. Events could be triggered by medications, dehydration, and other circumstances that affect cardiac rhythm. Treatments include betablockers, pacemakers, internal cardioverter defibrillators, and automated external defibrillator as precautionary measures. As such, LQTS patients often present to their emergency room (ER) when they become symptomatic. Research suggests that LQTS patients’ experience dissatisfaction in the ER and treatment …

External Vs. Innate: Sources Of Resiliency Among Emerging Adults, Black Gay And Bisexual Men, Caleb J. Banks Mr., Sienna L. Willams, Erika J. Janke, Justine A. Stallings, Ja'nina J. Walker Ph.D.

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

The purpose of this research was to examine the main sources and origins of resiliency that are present among Black gay and bisexual men. Resiliency refers to one’s response to adversity and ability to positively adapt to difficult situations. Twenty participants ranging in age between 18-25 years old (M = 22.8 years, SD = 1.7 years) participated in a semi-structured interview. Participants indicated varying sources of resiliency, which they utilize to encounter hardships. Innate sources (i.e., I was born this way) and external sources (i.e., music, my grandmother’s spirit) were conveyed by participants as mechanisms to overcome adversity. The …

The Impact Of Past Treatment-Seeking Behaviors On Substance Use Outcomes For Patients Receiving Brief Interventions, Alexandra Duncan, Joanna Akin

Georgia State Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Development, Knowledge And Perception Of Sexuality Among Arab Youth, Brigitte Khoury

International Symposium on Arab Youth

This presentation explores Arab youth sexuality and the challenges of studying youth sexuality in the Arab world. 330 young adults (70% ages 18-25) completed an online survey that assessed their knowledge, experience, perceptions, and values related to reproductive health and sexual education, masturbation, virginity, sexual experiences and relationships, marriage, and sex and the internet. Participants primarily resided in Lebanon (79%), but respondents also included individuals from Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, and Morocco. The results indicate that Arab youth are getting more liberal with their ideas and some practices with the …

Negative Religious Coping Styles Predict Greater Depressive Symptoms And Less Life Satisfaction, Kira A. Barros, Hannah Toyama, John E. Perez

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

The purpose of this study was to identify negative religious coping methods
 that have an association with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction among cancer patients. This study was based on Pargament’s (1997) framework of positive and
negative religious coping styles that specify how an individual makes use of religion to understand and deal with stressors. The sample included 179 predominantly White, Christian, female patients with stage II through IV cancer. We used a cross-sectional design with self-report measures to examine punishing God reappraisal and spiritual discontent as they relate to depressive symptoms and satisfaction with life. We hypothesized that both …

The Effects Of Hiv/Aids On The Mother-Child Relationship, Margaret Gross

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

39 semi-structured interviews were conducted with HIV+/- mothers living in central Uganda. Interviews were assisted by a translator and recorded manually on paper then coded and analyzed. The majority of HIV+ mothers were found to be single, supported 5+ children, worked longer days to get by, and emphasized the importance of having a counselor. These findings suggest a strong relationship exists between HIV and motherhood. There is a need for further attention to help single mothers and foster programs that encourage economic growth within their families, nutritional improvement, and overall attention to a group that is currently receiving little assistance.

Interactive Video Gaming: Do We Feel Like We Are Exercising?, Antonio Santo, Shaelee Allen, Janet Dufek, Paul Hafen, Michael Jarrett, Krystina Moschella, Robert Rietjens, James Navalta, Richard Tandy, Jacob E. Barkley

Interdisciplinary Research Scholarship Day

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and hedonics (liking or enjoyment) changed during 30 contiguous minutes of playing select, interactive video games on the Nintendo Wii system. A secondary purpose was to determine if RPE and liking differed among games.These data suggest that individuals do perceive difference in the amount of work they are performing during extended play of the same game or among sedentary and physically interactive games. Additionally, liking was similar during extended game play and among games suggesting that the physical interaction with the game may be …

Still In The Shadows: A Content Analysis Of Sexual Addiction In Couple Therapy, Austin Ellis, Quintin Hunt, Tod Young, Rebecca Nemecek, Jordan Staples, Stephen Fife, Colleen Peterson

Graduate Research Symposium (GCUA) (2010 - 2017)

There is no universally accepted definition of “sex addiction” in the literature, though it is generally understood as persistent patterns of sexual behaviors acted out despite negative consequences to self or others (Kafka, 2010; Levine, 2010). Though sexual addictions are often addressed individually, most take place within a social context that includes family members and/or intimate relationships. The purpose of this presentation is to present the results of a content analysis of M/CFT peer-reviewed journals and summarize the extent to which this literature addresses sexual addictions and couples therapy. The content analysis adds to the existing literature by examining the …

Exploring Gender Differences In The Association Between Alcohol Use And Depression Among Emergency Department Patients, Davida Woods, Joanna Akin, Gabe Kuperminc

Georgia State Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Psychological Flexibility In Mental Health Stigma And Psychological Distress For The Stigmatizer In An African American College Sample, Chantel M. Sims, Akihiko Masuda

Georgia State Undergraduate Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Condom Use As It Relates To Perception And Self-Efficacy, Taryn Larribas

Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD

There is little research that has examined barriers on the part of an individual’s condom use self-efficacy. Furthermore, there is a lack of investigation into whether an individual’s perceptions of their partner’s attitudes have an impact on condom use and whether factors such as an individual’s level of condom use self-efficacy influences a person’s condom acquisition techniques. It is hypothesized that condom use will be positively correlated with higher levels of condom use self-efficacy (CUSE) and positive perceptions of others’ attitudes.

Participants were 104 undergraduates at USF. Hypotheses were tested using the responses to the 28- item Condom Use Self-Efficacy …

#Trending Now: Why Black Folk Need To Be In Psychotherapy, Samantha Lynn Gray

Black Issues Conference

Despite evidence that mental health problems (ranging from very mild to severe) affect all people, the rates of minorities engaged in personal psychotherapy have remained low throughout the past few decades. Historically, minorities have tended to devalue the importance of mental health, and stigmatize therapeutic interventions. This session will focus on why we need to shed the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and detail where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to head in term of opening ourselves to self-exploration within the realm of psychotherapy. Also learn about how our physical health is intertwined with our mental …

Predictors Of Retention In Physical Therapy: Client-, Disease-, And Treatment-Related Factors, Marc A. Silva

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Research Exchange Conference

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study are to (1) document the incidence of veterans who prematurely terminate physical therapy before medically indicated, and (2) identify reliable predictors of treatment retention and attrition. The potential benefit of this study is the identification of reliable variables that predict who is at risk for terminating physical therapy prematurely, which may lead to targeted interventions designed to increase treatment retention. RESEARCH DESIGN: This study will be a retrospective design involving a review of medical records of veterans receiving referral to physical therapy. METHODOLOGY: Multinomial logistic regression (MLR) will be used to examine the effects …

Latino Family Variables And Sexual Activity In Latino Adolescents, Brittany Nicole Barber

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Research Exchange Conference

Researchers’ focused examination of Latino adolescents’ cultural values and sexual activity has yielded questions regarding the cultural- and gender-specific attitudes and practices of these youth (Deardorff, Tschann, & Flores, 2008). Cultural values include family-related variables such as different aspects of familism, parent-adolescent communication, and parental monitoring, which have been found to decrease adolescents’ engagement in other negative activities such as aggressive behavior, (Dishion & McMahon, 1998), substance use (Estrada, Rabow, & Watts, 1982), and delinquency (Clark & Shields, 1997). Research investigating these risk behaviors has often implicated Latino adolescents’ level of assimilation to White, mainstream society as a potential risk …

Cultural Influences On Sexual Activity Among Latina Adolescents, Keyona M. Jarrett

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology Research Exchange Conference

Early sexual activity among Latina adolescents has serious consequences (Chesson, Blandford, Gift, Tao, & Irwin, 2004; Mokdad, Marks, Stroup, & Gerberding, 2004; Schuster, 2003). Researchers have examined the influence of cultural variables such as assimilation, enculturation, gender roles, and ethnic identity on the sexual attitudes and behaviors of Latina adolescents (Benson & Torpy, 1995; Gómez & Marín, 1996; Jacobs, 2008; Kirby, 2002). Although there are some inconsistencies, the majority of the research in this area suggests that assimilation functions as a risk factor for engaging in sexual activity. Enculturation, gender roles (e.g., marianismo), and ethnic identity function as protective factors …

What Makes Stephen F. Austin State University Students Happy?, Tyler Bishop, Nicole Kurr, Jennifer Mcfarland, Brandon Rogers

Undergraduate Research Conference

When we began our research we believed most people would be happier owning a pet, attending church, or exercising. However, we determined this was not the case, instead concluded students have different things that make them happy. In addition, after reviewing our results we were surprised that holding all else constant, having a hobby, owning a pet, attending church, and exercising will increase a student’s level of happiness.